MB crash course

[cmc68]

Hi, I'm new to the forum but have been reading here for a little while. It has left me a little confused to say the least, hence the subject of this post.

I'm in the market for an estate, budget around £5k. It is to throw dogs, bikes, kids etc in the back and to complement my other car a Vauxhall VX220. To contrast the VX I am looking for something with a reasonable kit/comfort level and want something that isn't a complete slouch.

I have a friend who is into MBs and has recommended an E320CDi. Based on the engine performance and reliability (plus factors like lack of belts to break/change etc.). And this makes perfect sence, ticking my boxes as far as I can tell.

I know next to nothing abut Mercs however and am trying to quickly boost my knowledge.

So I was wondering if anyone could direct me to any good information sources that could answer a number of questions I have.

Which other engines are worth a look (I won't do tons of mileage so mpg is not my top priority, more performace and reliability/ease of maintenance). And should any be particularly avoided.

Are there spec versions to aim for or particularly avoid.

Is the fabled rust issue a big deal and are there models to aim for or avoid

C class E class comparison, aside from size (C should be big enough, but E wouldn't hurt) any other big differences I may need to consider.

In all these areas I'm looking at experience beyond what I'll get from a quick test drive. Things like cost of ownership, servicing, relaibility general living experiences etc.

Also. Beyond the obvious with all used cars, what sort of things (specifics) should a buyer be looking for with certain models (E320 CDi for one) and Mercs in general

Any other pearls of wisdom would be welcome.

Many thanks.

Chris

 

[renault12ts]

E320CDI W210 all the way

But i'm biased. Rust can be a problem. But with £5k you should be able to pick up a reasonably clean well kitted car. Check front wings, arches and tops of all doors under the rubber.

 

[davidbilyk]

W210 E320 CDI Avantgarde! Loads of extra's, plenty of grunt! Has anyone mentioned rust yet?

 

[grober]

A few questions about your circumstances- one are you into car DIY? or two have you a good local MB specialist? or three are sufficiently well heeled to take your new purchase to your local MB dealer? Running a "middle -aged" [ 1996- 2004 ] Mercedes can be done on a limited budget- if you are lucky----repairing a poorly maintained one can be very expensive. Just don't equate purchase price to potential running costs! Personally I think you are more liable to pick a bargain in the bigger petrol engined cars than the diesels if MPG's are not a problem---especially one not liable to the new VED categories. pre March 2001

 

[cmc68]

E320CDI W210 all the way

But i'm biased. Rust can be a problem. But with £5k you should be able to pick up a reasonably clean well kitted car. Check front wings, arches and tops of all doors under the rubber.

Is the rust issue something they all suffer from or is it a little pot luck from one to the next?

 

[cmc68]

A few questions about your circumstances- one are you into car DIY? or two have you a good local MB specialist? or three are sufficiently well heeled to take your new purchase to your local MB dealer? Running a "middle -aged" [ 1996- 2004 ] Mercedes can be done on a limited budget- if you are lucky----repairing a poorly maintained one can be very expensive. Just don't equate purchase price to potential running costs! Personally I think you are more liable to pick a bargain in the bigger petrol engined cars than the diesels if MPG's are not a problem---especially one not liable to the new VED categories. pre March 2001

I can wield a spanner, don't always want to. I tend to pick the jobs I do based on time available and hassle factor. I probably do less now than when I was younger (and poorer!). My friend knows a local specialist however that he trusts to look after his (J plate AMG estate - E class based I am not up to speed with the numbering etc. as you can tell)

I am quite prepared for running costs and am not trying to do it on a shoestring - I just don't want to go for the 'fools choice' due to my total lack of experience.

I'm not stuck on diesel either so if there is a petrol derivative that is well regarded I'd be interested in that too.

 

[renault12ts]

Is the rust issue something they all suffer from or is it a little pot luck from one to the next?

Most will suffer. But some have been fixed. So its worth looking. 320CDI is probably better than the 320 petrol.